"In no uncertain terms, we are holding Ford Motor Co. and
its contractors fully accountable for illegally distributing and
using PCB-contaminated concrete at these sites. Not only will all
potentially hazardous material be removed, we intend to make sure
they follow the strictest environmental controls during those cleanups,"
Commissioner Jackson said.

Though the DEP determined the concrete contains very low levels
of PCB contamination, use of the material at redevelopment sites
in Mercer, Middlesex and Ocean counties has generated considerable
concern among residents.

"I think it's imperative we do our utmost to restore the public's
trust in our commitment to safeguarding their health and protecting
the environment. To that end, I have put all DEP inspectors on notice
we are escalating surveillance at all New Jersey disposal and recycling
operations -- including unannounced inspections. If any violations
are found, fines and penalties will be issued without hesitation,"
Commissioner Jackson said.

The commissioner's call to action comes less than a week after
municipal officials and community representatives raised questions
about the concrete trucked to seven redevelopment sites from Ford's
now-defunct plant in Edison. Following the shutdown and sale of
the facility, Ford hired contractors to remediate the property and
prepare it for redevelopment by demolishing and removing buildings
on the site, including concrete floor slabs.

In February 2004, Ford contracted with MIG Alberici Inc. of Detroit
to perform the demolition. Alberici planned to reuse the concrete
from the site for roads and other fill projects on the Ford property.
In November 2004, Alberici obtained the DEP's approval to use the
concrete after testing it for contamination, specifically PCBs,
and determining the material did not have detectable levels. According
to the DEP's cleanup criteria, concentrations of PCBs less than
0.49 parts per million allowed for unrestricted use at the Ford
plant site.

Under the DEP's administrative order issued today, Ford must submit
a plan within seven days for complete removal and proper disposal
of all contaminated concrete material transported to development
sites across the state. These sites include: American Standard site
in Hamilton Township and a West Windsor Township site, Mercer County;
Fulton Square site in New Brunswick; the former Tingley Rubber Co.
in South Plainfield; the Applegarth site in Monroe Township, all
Middlesex County; and Laurelton Mobile Home Park and the Brick 70
Plaza site, both in Brick Township, Ocean County.

Ford must remove all concrete material from each site within 30
days after the DEP approves each cleanup plan.

The DEP's order also requires Ford's removal plan to include the
following:

A dust-control management plan for any dust emissions generated
during removal and disposal;

A real-time air sampling plan that will monitor air emissions
at the specific locations at the perimeter of each site;

A truck-washing system to prevent any material from leaving
each site;

A mechanism to shut down all activity related to the concrete
removal if the DEP verifies any problems with the dust management
system or if an air monitoring system detects specific standard
violations.

After all the concrete is removed, Ford must conduct post-excavation
sampling at each site and prepare a final report on all measures
taken to eliminate possible exposure from the concrete removal.
Specifically, the report must provide information on the effectiveness
of the dust management plan and sampling results from perimeter
monitoring. Further, the report, which will be provided to local
officials in each of the affected municipalities, will identify
the quantity and locations of the material used at each site.